The positive space between points, found from the absolute difference of coordinates on a horizontal or vertical line.
Example: From (-6, 3) to (6, 3): |6 − (−6)| = 12
Determine Distance on the Coordinate Plane
I can find the distance between two points on the coordinate plane using absolute value.
Speaking and writing goal: I can explain my work using the words distance, absolute value, horizontal distance, and vertical distance.
What Your Child Is Learning
In this lesson, students practice how to find the distance between two points on the coordinate plane using absolute value. They learn to show their thinking with numbers, pictures, words, or a model. The goal is not just getting an answer. Students should be able to explain why the answer makes sense.
Why This Matters
This skill supports everyday problem solving with money, measurements, games, planning, and checking whether an answer is reasonable.
What It May Look Like In Class
Your child may use the interactive lesson, guided notes, examples from the board, partner talk, and short practice problems. They may be asked to solve, draw a model, label important numbers, and explain their reasoning in a sentence.
How You Can Help At Home
You do not need to teach a new method. Ask your child to read the problem out loud, circle the important numbers, and explain what they tried first. Helpful questions include: What do you know? What are you trying to find? Does your answer make sense?
Apoyo para familias en español
Qué está aprendiendo su hijo/a
En esta lección, su hijo/a practica resolver problemas y explicar su pensamiento. Puede usar dibujos, números, palabras o modelos para mostrar su pensamiento. Lo más importante es que pueda explicar por qué su respuesta tiene sentido.
Por qué es importante
Esta habilidad ayuda con dinero, medidas, juegos, planificación y con revisar si una respuesta es razonable.
Cómo puede ayudar en casa
No necesita ser experto/a en matemáticas. Pídale a su hijo/a que lea el problema en voz alta, marque los números importantes y explique su primer paso. Puede preguntar: ¿Qué sabes? ¿Qué necesitas encontrar? ¿Tu respuesta tiene sentido?
Key Vocabulary
How far apart two points are. It is never negative.
Example: 9.5 units between (-4.5, 3) and (5, 3)
How far a number is from zero. It is never negative.
Example: |-2.5| = 2.5
How far apart two points are going left or right.
Example: |5 − (−4.5)| for two points that share a y-value
How far apart two points are going up or down.
Example: |3 − (−3.75)| for two points that share an x-value
A grid with a line going across and a line going up to plot points.
Example: A grid with an x-axis and a y-axis crossing at 0
Try It Together
Pick one or two problems. Let your child explain the first step before opening the answer.
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Estimate first, then solve: 48 / 6.
Show answer
Estimate about 50 / 5 = 10; exact answer 8
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Explain one way to check an answer.
Show answer
Use the opposite operation, a model, or estimation.
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Write a number story for 12 x 3.
Show answer
Answers vary; for example, 12 rows of 3 chairs.
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What should you do if an answer seems too big or too small?
Show answer
Re-read the problem and check with an estimate.